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I am constructing a layout using 3 rail, O gauge tubular track, and have installed both rubber O gauge railroad ties and wooden ones that I fabricated myself. Thought I had plenty of both, but I just ran out. Can't seem to find a supplier for the rubber ties.  I purchased a bag of 250 of them from Amazon about 2 months ago, but now they and other suppliers seem to be out of stock.  Any advice on where to get them? 3R Plastics does not seem to produce them any longer.  If not available, I'll just make more wooden ones, but the rubber ones work better in some locations on the layout.

Thanks,

Michael

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I've used Moondog Express along time ago. But I believe they're out of business. Few years ago I searched the internet and found the rubber ones with the woodgrain embossed on them and tie plates. Unfortunately I don't remember where.  They are becoming very hard to find.  I'd search the internet for current suppliers or eBay.

DSCF2978DSCF3222On my previous layout using tubular track, I wanted a bit more realistic look to the track. I wanted to add ties, but was too cheap to pay a big price. So, I made my own by using 1/4" wood window screen molding that you can buy in long sticks. The shape is almost exactly like that of the metal ties and the same width. I cut them to the length needed and painted them black (I had O tubular which also is the exactly the right height). Here are some pictures.

 

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Last edited by Ranger Rick

Bob, I always enjoy your posts and the progress on your layout and of course the commentary on it too. As for the spacing of the ties, you will see that it comes pretty naturally. On curved pieces of track, I could only add one more wood tie between the metal. On the straight pieces, it seems to me that I could add and evenly space two of the wood ties. I had to leave that layout in Atlanta, so I cannot go down and check. Sorry. I have rebuilt another layout here in Ohio and I used Gargraves track this time. By the way, late this summer, my layout in Atlanta was filmed and may be seen in a future Gorilla Glue commercial. I have not gotten any further information on it. I am adding a couple of more pictures of the ties. Hopefully it will give you an idea of spacing.

 

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tncentrr posted:

What is the best way to make wood ties?

Best way is to buy them from Kappler and not waste time and money both.

But, if you set up 3 fences on your band saw for width, height, and length you can make as many as you want from whatever wood you prefer.  Suggest you use clear pine and to avoid all hard woods.

As is typical of queries I have posted on various topics on this forum, I am so grateful for the incredibly helpful information shared by so many.  For a variety of reasons, I will go the least expensive route, limit purchases of any plastic ties I can secure, and make the rest myself.  Here are a few comments on some of the posts:

1.  I had previously contacted the person who had offered 3R plastic ties - long gone. 

2.  Do not see any means to purchase plastic ties from previous manufacturers, and limited offers available privately.

3.  The ones I made previously were from 1/4" X 1/2" X 4' hardwood strips from Home Depot (see photos).  I cut them to 2.5" lengths using a chop (miter) saw.  Stacked several strips for each cut.  Fit perfectly under existing metal ties.  Tip: paint the full length before cutting, otherwise you will have small ties blown all over from the force of the spray paint.  (Don't ask why I know this.)

4.  The screen molding strips look great and the price is incredible, especially for 8' lengths. They appear to be 3/4" in width.  Not sure I want that width or whether the strip will fit under the existing metal tie.  Were not in stock in any of the Home Depot stores in my area.  If I go this route, will have to order them. If necessary, may have to pare down to 1/2" widths (jig saw?).

5. I use 3 ties between existing metal ties on standard lengths of straight track. 

Thanks again.  Enjoy your trains,

Michael

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Ranger Rick posted:

Bob, I always enjoy your posts and the progress on your layout and of course the commentary on it too. As for the spacing of the ties, you will see that it comes pretty naturally. On curved pieces of track, I could only add one more wood tie between the metal. On the straight pieces, it seems to me that I could add and evenly space two of the wood ties. I had to leave that layout in Atlanta, so I cannot go down and check. Sorry. I have rebuilt another layout here in Ohio and I used Gargraves track this time. By the way, late this summer, my layout in Atlanta was filmed and may be seen in a future Gorilla Glue commercial. I have not gotten any further information on it. I am adding a couple of more pictures of the ties. Hopefully it will give you an idea of spacing.

 

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Thanks Rick ! That's just what I was looking for. I've learned a lot on this  thread and will be using many hints as time goes by. Good luck with your old layout to be on TV sometime.. Bob

I have a few more questions about dimensions of 2 of the suggested wood products:

For Ranger Rick: Is the width of the screen molding 3/4"?

For those using the ties from Kappler Lumber: I am not clear on the dimensions given on the website. Are the strips 24" length? Are any of them 1/4" X 1/2"?  They seem smaller in each of these dimensions.

Thanks,

Michael

Michael, the pine molding is 1/4"  x  3/4"  x   96". With 96 inches, you can make 42 ties (ties are 2 1/4" long).  I painted the molding black first, allowed to dry, then cut to size (2 1/4"). All I have to do then was to put a dab of paint on the ends. I did glue the ties down so they would not move when securing the track or ballasting.  Doing your own is more work, but you do not need any elaborate set up. I small saw at best.  Here is the tool I used. It comes in handy for any scratch built buildings, trestle building, etc.....anything with wood.

41pOsPm3btL._SY450_

It is $19.74 on Amazon, but if all you would use it for would be for the ties, any small saw would do. It would easily cut through the 1/4" pine. I scratch build a lot of my buildings, so this tool was worth the price I spent.

 

Rick

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Rick,

Thanks for the info and great tip on the tool. Yes, I can see multiple uses of it.  And it omits the need to cut small pieces with a huge rotating blade. FYI, I will join my son today to check on this wound from an incident from clearing out debris from the blade of a table saw that was turned off, but still rotating.  Cost him 20 stitches.  Fortunately just surface wound, but could have been REALLY worse. 

Outside of the tool, your method of creating the ties is much how I have done this in the past...including cutting them to 2 1/4" lengths, not 2 1/2" as I wrote in my earlier post. Yes, it's more work, especially when making hundreds of them, but much cheaper than buying manufactured ones, and keeps me doing what I enjoy in retirement. 

I ordered 4 lengths of the screen molding from HD this morning.  I'll see if I would prefer cutting them 1/2" widths.

Thanks again,

Michael

The Lionel steel ties that I have measure 19/32" which is just shy of 5/8". I think the 3/4" screen moldings will need to be trimmed to get them to the right size so they don't stick out like a sore thumb. Easy to do but it will lose one rounded edge so in come the router table to put it back on. I have ordered some of this molding material as well as some from the Kappler site. This is the strip material that is 24 X 1/4 X 1/2" long. I'll try both and see which one I think is the easiest to work with and looks the best. 

Since were on the subject of ties, what are you folks using to glue the ties to the rails. I have made a jig that I set the ties into, apply hot glue and then set the track section onto it so all ties are glued at once. Using this system I can do a section every two minutes or so. The problem I have had is the hot glue does not want to stick to the track very well. Just wondering if anyone has come up with an alternative.   

Last edited by patternpilot

Michael,

    I hope your son is okay. Power saws are dangerous even in capable hands. You will find that some of those pine sticks are softer that others. I have had a few of those needing a pretty good squeeze from that tool. I did measure the metal tie, but probably the best thing to do is use the metal tie as the template and cut away. Good luck on your project.

 

Rick

 

    

Michael Pags posted:

I have a few more questions about dimensions of 2 of the suggested wood products:

For Ranger Rick: Is the width of the screen molding 3/4"?

For those using the ties from Kappler Lumber: I am not clear on the dimensions given on the website. Are the strips 24" length? Are any of them 1/4" X 1/2"?  They seem smaller in each of these dimensions.

Thanks,

Michael

If you want 1/4" X 1/2" wood 24" long, Kappler will sell you that in bulk.

http://www.kapplerusa.com/y2k/p-dim-24b.htm

 

PatternPilot,

      I simply used Gorilla glue or Elmers glue to secure them to the roadbed I put down. It held great and was movable to get the spacing correct. I did not glue them to the track...no need to. I also disagree with your assessment about trimming the molding. It may be that the 3/4 " has been milled to get it close to the width of the metal ties. Again....I have done this and I think you will have a hard time telling which ties are from the pine molding and which ones are the track's metal. I will add a few more pictures to make my point.  (The lengths may be a bit off, but I think it adds to the realism).

 

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Oscar,

I did not know that 3R plastics was still selling their ties through Amazon. I thought they had gone out of business. I have a large number of their ties in my present layout. 3R ties are my option of choice. Before that I used Moondog Express ties. They were good also, but I like the 3R products better. They had the molded in wood grain.

  I'd try caulk or similar if gluing to the rails is wanted. Making sure it's paintable, just in case of a little weep.

  For real strength, but removability and minor flexabilty, DAP red can contact cement ... two-three layers on each side, wait as instructed! (And ventilate)..squeeze, and maybe weight it or clamp for an hour(s) for an even better bond. 

Oscar and others,

OK, here's the scoop on 3R Plastic ties:  I called the number you provided and confirmed that b/c these are such a small part of their business they do not make these routinely.  As you noted, they are sold only through Amazon, but Amazon currently has none.  The woman (Sherrie?) was kind and said she would look to see if there are any around. Also said she gets calls from about 5 persons (probably from guys on this Forum!) asking for the ties.  Said she would call me back with more info. I'll share when I get more info.

Stay tuned...

Michael

Here's the follow up from 3R Plastics:  I received a call back from Diana at 3R Plastics yesterday and she notified me that they will do a run on the O gauge plastic ties real soon, and that these will only be available through Amazon. I said there may be several folks on this forum who might be interested...just in time for the holidays!  If interested, I would check the availability from Amazon in a few weeks.  She also said she found one bag and would allow me to purchase this directly...which I did. Santa came early!

Hope this helps those who are interested.

Michael

Gee... Ive got thousands of 3rd rail and Moondog Express ties sitting in storage up in New Hampshire somewhere. Unfortunately I'm in Connecticut for a few more months.   Thinking with the interest I'll sell them on eBay someday when I am reunited with them.

 

Unfortunately it was a while ago and  I don't remember what Ipaid..  It wasn't a lot for 250.  Thinking high end- $60?

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